Neither Idle nor Unfruitfulಮಾದರಿ

Idle

The word translated "idle" in 2 Peter 1:8 AMPC (or “useless” AMP, “ineffective” NIV) has two main meanings:

1. In Matthew 20:3 and 6, it is used to describe the laborers in the marketplace “doing nothing” (NIV). Unemployment is a big social problem, but it must not exist within the church! There is more work to be done than workers ready to do it (Luke 10:2). Part of the problem may be that the Lord is looking for workers, but we want to be leaders or managers! Let’s follow the example of Jesus and make ourselves available even for the humblest tasks. We must not resist the prompting of the Spirit through laziness.
2. The same word may also refer to unnecessary and harmful activities (1 Timothy 5:13). It means wasting time and energy instead of working (2 Thessalonians 3:11,12).

The book of Proverbs contains numerous references to laziness. Proverbs 18:9 states that laziness is both harmful and contagious. Lazy individuals use imaginary difficulties to justify themselves and exaggerate their own abilities (Proverbs 22:13; 26:16). To counter all of this, having a balanced Christian life where the qualities contained in this passage are found and abound is the key.

Unfruitful

The word translated "unfruitful" literally means "no fruit". Jesus found nothing but leaves on the fig tree near Jerusalem (Matthew 21:19). While many people appear to be flourishing spiritually, their leafy foliage can hide an inner dryness. In Jude 12b, false doctors are referred to as "autumn trees without fruit". Unfruitfulness is contagious: in the parable of the fig tree, the owner of the vineyard demands that the tree be cut down not only because it does not bear fruit, but also because it is consuming the soil (Luke 13:6-9). A church that lacks new births is destined to die. That is why Peter exhorts us to live a life full of those qualities that prevent spiritual infertility.

Bearing fruit

During the Last Supper, Jesus used the example of the vine and branches to explain His plan for their lives to the disciples. From the passage in John 15 we learn that:

• Pruning, though painful, helps us bear more fruit (v.2)
• The Word cleanses us from what prevents us from bearing fruit (v.3).
• If we remain in the Lord, we will bear abundant fruit (v.4)
• The Father is glorified when we bear fruit (v.8)
• God’s will for us is that we bear lasting fruit (v.16)

Blindness and short sight

Peter warns that the path of Christian growth he describes is not just an option. If we become content with little in the Christian life, it can result in a dangerous decrease in spiritual vision: we lose sight of where we came from and where we are going. Lack of preparation for serving the Lord and bearing fruit for Him ultimately poses a threat to the stability of our salvation, as spiritual short-sightedness will cause us to stumble more and more. In the long run, stumbling can result in disastrous falls. Instead of settling for the bare minimum, we should aim to excel in our Christian lives. We are not saved by works, but not working is very dangerous!

Growth and fruitfulness

Paul’s prayer for the Colossians illustrates how personal growth and diligent work for the Lord are intertwined (Colossians 1:9-12). The pursuit of a Christian life that glorifies God and produces fruit for the church also brings us satisfaction.